Did You Know?
The cat breed earned her name “Javanese” from Java, which is a sister island to Bali, from where the Balinese got her name, even though they do not come from the island.
Size
Medium size, weighing 5-10 pounds
Coat
Medium-length, fine, and silky
Color
Colorpoint colors, including cream, lynx, tortie, red
Life Span
10-15 years
A people-friendly cat who loves to follow her favorite people around the house, the Javanese is related to the Siamese. The active and busy cat is your best companion for her friendly disposition. So, they are true lap cats who demand attention, pampering, and unconditional love. The chatty busybody has a lifespan of around 10-15 years.
Physical Characteristics of Javanese Cat
A wedge-shaped head studded with unusually large triangular ears, a narrow, pointed nose, and two distinctly Oriental eyes that slant slightly to complement the unique head shape characterize a typical Javanese cat breed. With a muscular body built, the Javanese also has long, slender, and fine-boned legs with small, neat, oval paws. However, their rear legs are slightly higher than the front legs and their thin yet long tail tapers at the end. With their rectangular body shape, they are strong, athletic, and playful and deceptively heavy when lifted.
Large expressive sapphire-blue eyes on their flat forehead are set at an oriental slanting position. So, the nose is a continuation of their almond-shaped eyes, with no break between the two physical features on her tubular body. A medium-length fine and silky coat is plumy on their long, tapering tail and slightly longer on the belly and birches.
One distinguish characteristic of the Javanese from the Siamese is the colorpoint colors. Cream, lynx, tortie, and red are the defining colors of their appealing personality. Flaunting their deep, vivid blue eyes, the Javanese also have darker points on the face, ears, paws and tail.
Personality and Temperament of Javanese Cat
A typical Javanese is intelligent, agile, self-assured, and active. However, they adore their human parents and love to accompany them everywhere.
Known for their excellent communication skills, the Javanese is always eager to share their opinion on love, life, and food. Despite their fascination for food, a typical Javanese does not put on too much weight, thanks to their agility and love for playful activities. But this does not mean they cannot turn into a couch potato.
The adorable cat breed has won millions of hearts with their endearing quality and charming traits. They will look directly in your eyes and do not hesitate to express their view on anything that they think requires their opinion.
The chatty kitty seeks your company at all times and is the perfect companion for those seeking a responsive and interactive furry friend.
Thanks to their curiosity, alertness, and intelligence, they are easy to train. As a result, you may find their meows seem definite attempts to communicate.
They love to cuddle with their favorite humans and seek a comfortable spot in your cozy lap, with a hope to get a little bit of pampering.
The active and social Javanese is your perfect family cat. She loves the company of children who treat her with respect. She is happy to spend time with cat-friendly pets who respect her authority. However, it is always in your best interest to introduce pets and new family members in controlled circumstances.
Health and Care of Javanese Cat
The problems that affect the Siamese may also cause health issues for the Javanese. The cat breed is prone to Amyloidosis. It is a condition in which protein amyloid is deposited in the liver or other organs.
Some other health conditions that may affect the Javanese include:
- Congenital heart defects
- Asthma
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Crossed eyes
- Bronchial disease
- Hyperesthesia syndrome that may result in hair loss
- Lymphoma
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Additionally, the lack of undercoat makes grooming easier. So, it is less likely to have any tangles or matting. Occasional brushing can take care of their coat grooming needs.
History and Background of Javanese Cat
The manmade cat breed comes from the cross breeding among the Balinese, Siamese, and Colorpoint Shorthair cats. Cat lovers call the Javanese as the longhaired Siamese in colorpoint colors.
During the 1970s, breeders were looking for a new cat breed with a colorful coat of the Balinese.
The Javanese was named so because of her resemblance to the Balinese. The name “Balinese” comes from the island of Bali. With Java located in the proximity of Bali, the Javanese got her name. Initially, the cat was categorized as a distinct breed from the Balinese. However, in 2008, the Cat Fanciers Association declared the Javanese as a division of the Balinese, placing both in the Siamese cat breed group.
